The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-08-27

Portable chair. was CHANGING over a
newspaper, and near him. bent over
some bright-colored embroidery, was
his sister. Mrs. DeCourcy. who. since
the loss Of his Young wife years ago:
had taken upon herself the duties pf
a mother TO Madeline.
stern duties they were. too, and the
girl had been brought up In such awe
OF Aunt Esther, that all sympathy be-
tween them seemed forbidden, that
only cold relationship reigned in
stead.
There was a piece of half-inished
tapestry-work pla84d prominently on
table near MrsA pecoufcy, but al
though Madeline Knew II was put
there for her, she let her gaze fall
idly over the little pile of wool. and
stood restlessly by the window. think
ing OF the bleak darkness outside, and
the solitary prisoner up In the old
mill.
"My dear, don't yon think you
would be better II you came over to
the table, and occupied yourself with
something. Surely 1t can not be so
amusing to stand In that draught with
nothing but sigh with which to
break The monotony. II is really
shocking TO see you wasting your
time SO presistently."
Madeline gave a slight start, and a
deeper shade flushed her cheeks, as
she moved TO her fathers side.
"What is the matter. my pet? Has
the day been too long for your
mo; but my thoughts had won
dered away. had almost forgotten
where was when Aunt Esther spoke
just now"
"You must take ride with me to-
morrow morning." her father said,
drawing her down onto stool at his
side, and keeping his arm around her.
~ gallop across the country always
puts You in spirits BY the way, have
you read Iucien's letters"
She shook her head. The name OF
her aunt's stepson awoke no peasant
memories In her mind. and in the
glowing embers OF the fire she still
saw the pale sunken features of the
stranger. who was suffering alone,
where none could hear IL he called out
In the pain of death.
II don't know whether your Lucien
would feel flattered by such show Of
Indifference Mrs. DeCourcy remarked
with touch of disp.easure. al be-
leve his one reason for coming is be-
cause OF you, Madeline fact,
may as well be candid with YOU" she
added, without lifting her eyes from
her work." and let you know the
truth. He is coming in the hope of
winning you to be his wife"
Madeline looked up in "A blank sur
prise; then after the first shock Of
establishment hal subsidized, she burst
into low ripping laugh.
"How absurdl" she exclaimed, her
eyes shining with amusement. Ibid
he really say thaty"
lis IL so very surpising?" Mrs.
DeCourcy asked testify. IL can not
comprehend why you should consider
his resolution in anyway ridiculous,
unless, OF course, you reflect that he
is coming rather far out of his way,
when there are so many from whom
he might choose. A young man in
his position does not need to beg for
WIFE"
mo, Madeline assented, trying TO
look grave; therefore he should not
come 10 me-"
What do you mean?" Mrs. De-
Courcy said, turning her eyes slowly
on her wilful niece.
only il there were but one single
man in the world, and that man were
Lucien. would not marry him"
Mrs. De Courcy smiled scornfully.
You are talking without reason,
Madeline. You have not had suflici-
ent experience TO be able 10 Judge
your own fee ings. Lucien Is no saint,
but you might find many men worse
than he--few better
"Your aunt is right" Mr.. Clyde re-
marked, stroking Madoine's hair, as
he laid his paper down on his knees.
Here's case have just been read
ing OF young scoundrel who has
been forging his fathers name 10 such
an extent MS TO cause ruin 20 his
entire family. He was tried, found
guilty, and condemned TO felon's
punishment; but somehow he man
aged 10 escape before the sentence
could be carried out. and there is now
large reward offered for him.
:. oru,...A 4. l.. tlt. HI.